Why awards recognition makes your organisation feel good!
I love this exciting time of year when organisations begin to release their awards shortlists. One of the organisations I’m involved with, HR in Hospitality, has just announced their shortlist for the annual Awards for Excellence. I’m so excited on behalf of all the nominees. Here’s why…
Nominations promote positive team spirit
It’s amazing when colleagues take the time to write awards entries. The act of nomination itself is recognition of exceptional individual or team performance. It’s wonderful when colleagues care enough to take time to nominate one of their colleagues for the ultimate in recognition.
Being recognised creates the feel good factor
In the run up to the ceremony, the excitement builds. There’s talk of dress code, assessing the competition, and the all-important ‘do you think we’ll win?’ discussions. It’s all part of the feel good factor that recognition creates. I’ve seen that feeling of togetherness, team spirit and mutual support it can develop.
On the night of the ceremony, the atmosphere is electric. For me, it’s my equivalent of being in a sports stadium cheering on your beloved team to win. I love it! The anticipation builds as everyone is seated for dinner, excited to find out whether they have triumphed this year.
As the awards announcement nears the excitement reaches fever pitch. The presenter reads out a synopsis of the winner and the person slowly realises they’ve won. A huge cheer goes up from the winning table, like their team has just scored the winning penalty in the cup final!
Up to the stage the winner goes to receive their deserved recognition with a big proud smile on their face. That moment will stay with them forever. It’s awesome to watch.
Recognition can transform a team
I’ve been lucky enough to experience awards ceremonies from various positions: as a nominee, a judge, presenter and category sponsor. I know that receiving recognition can change a team or individual’s energy, engagement and motivation.
Employee recognition creates a feel good factor that has clear benefits to an organisation’s performance. Can you imagine how the award winners feel the next day when they go into work, award in hand? Knowing they have the respect of their colleagues and can add ‘award winner’ to their CV. It gives everyone a lift and a clear sense of achievement.
If you’d like to discover how to create the feel good factor in your organisation, please get in touch. We are brimming with ideas!
Choose a suitable form of employee recognition
Whilst winning awards is fabulous, it’s not the only way for managers to recognise exceptional performance. Recognition is about being noticed. But awards aren’t the only way to recognise an individual’s performance. Managers and leaders would ideally notice what kind of recognition is appropriate for each team member. Some people might not want to stand up on a stage and be the centre of attention. For these individuals there are other more appropriate forms of reward and recognition. I will examine these in my next post.
How exceptional managers recognise star performers
In the meantime, I want to leave you with a story about how an exceptional manager I know achieves recognition for their team through awards.
This person takes every opportunity to consider how the ‘Star’ performers in her team can gain the recognition they deserve. She makes it her business to know what awards are open for entries and which would best suit her team members, based on age, profile and benefits for the individual or team.
What’s interesting is the impact this approach has had on her team. Yes, this is only one element of this manager’s approach to exceptional leadership, but it’s led to a team culture that oozes positivity. She’s nurtured a group of people who are motivated by their work, who support one another and feel good about going to work and delivering exceptional customer experience.
Could you do this for your team? Do you make an effort to understand each employee’s preferences and match them with an appropriate form of recognition?